Australian music is a broad generic description of music from Australia.
Australian music began to develop its individuality in the 1950s. Early rockers such as Johnny "The Wild One" O'Keefe paved the way for later bands. John Farnham, AC/DC, Kylie Minogue, INXS, Powderfinger and Savage Garden are amongst Australia's biggest musical exports.
Recently, Australian hip-hop has also come into its own. Hilltop Hoods may be considered Australia's top hip-hop act, however other groups such as TZU are also gaining popularity.
The benchmark for quality Australian music, especially non-commercial artists, comes from the government funded radio station Triple J (aka JJJ). Most of Australia's modern acts, especially alternative and indie performers, get their start via Triple J airplay. The station spends part of its funding supporting Australian performers. The Triple J Unearthed program has discovered quite a few un-signed Australian performers who have since gone on to commercial success. Examples include Missy Higgins (discovered through Unearthed whilst still in high school) and Grinspoon (who has appeared in the year-end Triple J Hottest 100 poll more than any other Unearthed artist).
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